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Committee advances amended bill limiting student device possession; amended SB78 passes 12-1
Summary
After debate over medical exceptions and possession rules, the Senate Education committee adopted amendment #3 to SB78 and voted 12 to 1 to advance the amended bill. Members discussed locker-storage options and the need for clarifying language about medical-necessity exceptions.
The Senate Education and Career Development Committee voted to advance an amended Senate Bill 78 governing student possession of personal devices during the school day after considering amendment #3 addressing storage and medical-provider exceptions.
Committee members debated implementation details including whether devices must be stored in student lockers, whether districts may collect devices at entry and how medical exceptions would work for students who rely on devices for health reasons. Senator Ford voiced concerns about civil-immunity language tied to device destruction and implementation, and committee leaders said that portion will be handled in judicial committee review later.
A roll-call vote followed discussion. The chair announced that the amendment and bill passed in committee by a 12 to 1 margin. Senators and staff said they would continue to refine language on possession, medical exceptions and implementation ahead of second reading.
The committee immediately returned to other bills after the vote; senators who spoke during the roll call reserved further explanation for the next reading.
